Skip advert
Advertisement

Pregnant women 42% more likely to crash... but still safer than men

Expectant mothers are 42% more likely to crash their cars than women who aren't pregnant but young men are more at risk

Pregnant woman

Women are 42 per cent more likely to have a serious car crash while pregnant, but are still safer than men, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) in Canada tracked half a million women over five years and found in the second trimester of pregnancy, the ladies’ risk of having a crash requiring emergency medical treatment went up from 4.55 to 6.47 per 1,000. However, that was still a lower risk than men of the same age, with scientists revealing the male crash rate to be eight per 1,000 drivers. Even the worst month during pregnancy – the fifth – peaked at only 7.66 per 1,000. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Drivers can earn £200 per month with ads on their car

Lead scientist Donald Redelmeier said the second trimester was worse because pregnant women would be affected by nausea, fatigue and distraction, but may not be taking it into account. “These findings do not mean pregnant women shouldn’t drive,” he added. “An awareness of the elevated risk during the second trimester does merit consideration for prenatal care.”

In total, the 507,262 women in the Ontario study accounted for 6,922 serious car crashes in the three years before their pregnancy – equivalent to 177 per month. In the second trimester, this went up to 252 per month. The risk was lowest of all in the year after birth, with parents displaying more driving care while transporting their newborn children.

Crash rates for mums to be
TimeCrash rate (accidents per 1,000)Crash rate (per month)
   
Before pregnancy4.55177
  
First month of first trimester4.33169
  
Second month of second trimester7.66299
  
Second trimester as a whole6.47252
   
Third month of third trimester2.74107
Year after birth2.3591
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025